The holiday shopping deals are taking over the Internet. Cyber Monday is expected to lure 100 million shoppers to the computer this year.
Most retailers are offering discounts or specials for online purchases; everything from 60% off to free shipping for online purchases.
Early reports show online sales are already up 11%. Many retailers began offering promotions last week leading into the Thanksgiving weekend.
Experts say consumers spent $595 million already.
“85% of those surveyed were very or completely satisfied with their online shopping experience for clothes. It was highly popular, highly satisfying, and among the highest-rated surveys,” said Tod Marks of Consumer Reports.
There's always a chance retailers will post different prices throughout Cyber Monday and throughout the week.
"I'm seeing retailers recognize that price is going to be the only lure that they can really use. That means they're gonna be testing prices at all kinds of discounts just to find the right price," said Marks.
Retailers are also posting special offers on their Twitter or Facebook pages.
The Better Business Bureau released its 2009 warnings online shopping warnings for Cyber Monday.
It suggests:
- Protecting your computer with spam filters, firewalls and anti virus software
- Using trustworthy sites
- Reading each retailer's privacy policy and avoiding sites that don't have one
- Using a credit card for your online purchases. Doing so makes it easier to dispute any unwanted charges.
- Keep documentation of your purchase
- Checking your credit card statements after a purchase to make sure it's accurate
- Check security on shopping sites. If the address bar begins with https and there's a lock symbol on the bottom of the screen then it's a secure connection and safe for your personal information.
- Trust your gut. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a deal that might cost them more in the end.
- Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure a buyer into revealing financial information.
- Know your rights. Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised. If the goods aren't shipped on time, you can cancel and demand a refund.
The National Retail Federation expects sales to hold strong for Cyber Monday, but drop overall this holiday season. The NRF estimates sales will be 1 percent lower this year than last.
